I can't believe the summer has come and gone so fast! All those summer
nights under the stars (or the tents) dancing and singing along with the
music of the Shames are over until next year! No, it can't be! Well,
hopefully some indoor venues are being planned for the long cold winter
ahead.
Darien Fest was a huge blowout! It was a beautiful breezy night, and the
grounds were packed with everyone waiting to take advantage of one of the
last flings of the summer. I think the Shames felt the excitement of the
evening too. A lot of old friends came out to see them, and it was a great
time. Jeff Rutter came out and played with them "just because it's so much
fun". Jeff always adds another aspect to their performance. I think Ron
Brandt played his brand new guitar too! At the close of the show, during
"Sugar and Spice", Jimmy's daughter Ally and three of her friends came up on
stage to dance and were introduced as the "Shamettes". After the show we
went out for a bite to eat with Jimmy and Rocky, and assorted other
production/sound/photography/merchandising people. A late night, but a fun
time was had by all.
The following day the Shames played a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation at Caldwell Woods forest preserve in Chicago. They played an
acoustic set with just 2 guitars and congas, but all they really needed was
their beautiful voices. The outdoor setting was beautiful, with the trees as
a backdrop, and the sound was wonderful. They featured Rocky up in front
again on a few songs, and he sure does take to the spotlight! He did a
version of "Eight Days a Week" that really rocked! Everyone seemed to really
enjoy the music, including the 100 or so motorcyclists who "Rode for the
Cure", and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefited from the sale of CD's and
t-shirts.
All in all, it was a busy but memorable summer. Lots of exciting things went
on - several benefits, a couple of special appearances with Tom Doody, an
extra special show back in April in Merrillville with Tom AND James Fairs(!),
combined concerts with the Buckinghams, Ides of March, Mauds, New Colony Six,
and only one rain delay all summer! Sounds pretty good for a Millennium
year! We're sorry to see it end, but looking forward to new dates and
ventures in the coming months.
